Implementation of Social Sustainability Regarding Youth at the European Championships Munich 2022

Abstract

This master thesis analyses the implementation of the youth programs at the European Championships Munich 2022 in order to evaluate their impact and effectiveness regarding social sustainability. Both the scientific literature and large sporting events either neglected or less considered the social pillar of sustainability compared to the ecological and economic aspects (Smith, 2009). Three innovative youth programs were planned and realized: The Young Leaders Forum for already engaged youth between 20 and 30 years old, The Munich 2022 Sports Badge with the opportunity to try out different sports, and the main youth initiative called the Future Class of 22 for youth up to the age of 20, which included 56 different events. A total of 89,210 young people as well as 40 cooperation partners participated in the youth programs. To evaluate the initiatives regarding social sustainability, a survey was answered by experts regarding youth sports. The results show that social sustainability was successfully implemented by the youth programs. The principles of equity, diversity, quality of life, social cohesion, as well as the values of fair play, respect, friendship, and participation and moreover the topics of values, health, education, inclusion, diversity, integration and civic engagement were transmitted well according to the experts. Furthermore, the goals to increase sport motivation and activation as well as school, club and federation cooperations, youth participation, youth empowerment and the goals by the cooperation partners were successfully reached. Further improvements can be done in regard of the principle called “democracy and governance”, the value of excellence and the topics of education and inclusion. Overall, 38% of the experts were satisfied and 57% were very satisfied with the overall outcome of the youth programs of Munich 2022. 5% were neutral and no expert was dissatisfied with the implementation. Furthermore, 95% of all experts recommend the implementation of social sustainability regarding youth to future large sporting events.